“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
On March 3, 2022, we learned that the postponed 2020 General Conference will now be moved to 2024 due to COVID concerns and travel constraints. This decision has not been an easy one for the General Commission on General Conference to make, but concerns about equity and safety prevailed in their decision.
So many have been waiting for General Conference as the means to resolve the tension in our denomination over human sexuality. The hope was that a grace-filled exit could be offered to those churches and clergy that seek a more traditional spiritual home so that we all could focus on Jesus’ invitation to discipleship in the unique ways we are called.
Waiting is never easy. Yet, we know that God is at work in the waiting. It is only after months of gestation that the miracle of new life is born. As bleak as the days are between Good Friday and Easter morning, it is through the painful waiting that the miracle of resurrection bursts forth.
In short, it is in the waiting that miracles enter the world.
As bishop, chief financial officer, and cabinet, we believe that miracles abound in the Mountain Sky Conference. In spite of General Church struggles, we trust God’s work at the local church level. As we continue to be led by the Holy Spirit as followers of Jesus, we are being called to boldly offer our communities a word of hope and grace, that there is a God who loves them with a love that will never let them go. Our ministries are visible, tangible signs of God’s love. We know that lives are forever changed through the labors of hearts and hands of United Methodists in the Mountain Sky Conference.
We, along with the entire conference staff, will continue to serve you, to equip you with the tools and resources necessary to be a vital presence in your community, to pray with and for you as we help each other grow as disciples of Christ.
We know that there are some in our MSC family who will want to part ways with us. Know that as conference leadership, we will honor your decision to go where God is leading you. Conference leadership will work with each church that seeks to leave the Mountain Sky Conference.
United Methodism is alive and well in the Mountain Sky Conference. While we wait for General Conference 2024, we will not pause in our commitment to proclaim the Gospel and to deepen our love of God and neighbor.
Blessings,
Bishop Karen P. Oliveto
Ms. Angela Thomas, Chief Financial Officer
Rev. Deborah Christine, Dean of the Cabinet and MT East DS
Rev. Annie Arnoldy, Director of Connectional Ministries and Superintendent of Leadership Development
Rev. Jeff Rainwater, Superintendent of Congregational and Community Vitality
Rev. Mark Calhoun, Wyoming DS
Rev. Chris Carr, Trinity DS
Rev. Elizabeth McVicker, Utah/W. CO DS
Rev. Jessica Rook, Mile High Metro DS
Rev. Tezenlo Thong, Peaks/Pikes Peak DS
Rev. Jan Witman, MT West DS
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